Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Infinite Family: Changing the world one video conversation...and poem...at a time!


Tekomodise loves writing his blogs on Infinite Family’s Ezomndeni Net.  He writes about kind strangers on the streets of Soweto and his adventures with his friends at school, but recently, when his writing took on an angry tone, Infinite Family video mentor Barbara Scott, grew concerned. 

Barbara knew that Tekomodise would arrive breathless at their weekly video conversations, having run to the computer lab all the way from school.  Barbara knew that their 30 minutes together each week was so precious that Tekomodise didn’t want to miss a minute.

When Tekomodise began to share his sadness and loneliness, Barbara wanted to find something she could give him, some present that would carry him through their time apart to encourage him when he felt most hopeless.

So Barbara wrote Tekomodise a poem.  As Infinite Family’s gift to you this holiday season, we would like to share with you Tekomodise’s present from Barbara, her poem. 

Tekomodise’s Present


There was a young man sitting on the steps all alone,  

He was angry at his life and he did not want to go home.


He felt no one understood him or cared about his needs,


He thought no one cared for him - his anger planted a seed.


A seed of fear, hatred and pain started to grow in his heart,


A feeling of sadness and loneliness seemed to never part.


Until one day God sent his Net Buddy, a forever friend far away, 


To bring the young man love and joy each and every Saturday.


His mentor wants to help him dream big dreams for tomorrow,


Think of all the possibilities of happiness with no more sorrow.


She wants to be there to share with him, experience and teach,


And tell him of all the opportunities that are close - within reach.


She knows that there is hope for brighter days to come,


Because she was once a little girl sitting on the steps all alone.


She had not many friends and a shack that she called home, 


No money for shoes, for games, or for fun.


But one day God blessed her with a mentor to call her own,


He taught her about all the things she could become when she was grown.


He believed in her future, before she believed it herself,


And now she lives her dreams and offers her Net Buddy help.


Dreams do come true, 


Faith replaces fear, 


Tekomodise, my dear Net Buddy, in my heart you are near.


Please consider giving this holiday season to support the relationships between struggling young teenagers in South Africa and generous and kind adults around the world.  Help Infinite Family change the world with one video conversation – and one poem -- at a time. 



 Wishing you and all you love a very joyous holiday season
   from Infinite Family! 


Thursday, December 9, 2010

British Telecommunications Refurbishes New Infinite Family Computer Lab at Nkosi's Haven Village!






BT HELPS CHILDREN AND MOTHERS OF NKOSI’S HAVEN IN SOUTH AFRICA REACH FOR A BETTER FUTURE

BT South Africa today announced the official opening of a communications centre at the Nkosi’s Haven Village for HIV positive mothers and children in Alan Manor, south of Johannesburg.
            The brand new BT-sponsored facility provides resident teenagers with video-conferencing technology enabling them to chat with their mentors and buddies around the world, share photos and video and get help with homework remotely by using modern collaboration tools.
            The Nkosi’s Haven communications centre has been developed in partnership with Infinite Family, a US-based organisation that connects children infected or orphaned by HIV/AIDS with adult video mentors in South Africa and around the world using a secure Internet platform. More than 50 children from the Nkosi’s Village will take part in the programme.
The facility will also be used to train up to 30 mothers in computer skills, broadening their chances of finding employment outside of Nkosi’s Haven.
Keith Matthews, general manager, BT South Africa, said at the opening ceremony, “BT is proud to be involved in this project as it reaches the most vulnerable in our society. The project enables youngsters to significantly improve their career prospects by acquiring much needed computer skills. It is a logical continuation of our local involvement and builds on the previous work BT has done in the education area.”
 Gail Johnson, founding director of Nkosi’s Haven, believes the new facility will augment  the children’s ability to communicate confidently and effectively with their Net Buddies from all walks of life.
Gail Johnson said, “Nkosi’s Haven is grateful for BT’s generous sponsorship. This new facility will help our kids stay in touch with their Infinite Family-approved mentors whose life training skills will improve their confidence and will equip them to overcome some of their disadvantages. Internet mentoring provides our kids with an opportunity to make many new friends around the globe and to broaden their horizons which will assist in making their lives a success.”
Amy Stokes, founder and executive director of Infinite Family, said: "Nkosi's Haven was our first, and is our strongest South African NGO partnership.  We love these children like our own and have been thrilled to watch them grow over the past four years from shy and confused teens into confident and vibrant young adults.  It is an honour to work and 'expand the family' with Nkosi's Haven and BT."
In addition to providing personal computers and networking equipment valued at R100,000 BT also made available its telepresence room at the company’s Bryanston office. Telepresence is a modern video conferencing technology that creates an illusion of the meeting participants being in the same room by deploying high-definition video and sound. Infinite Family and Nkosi’s Haven will use telepresence to conduct high-level group mentoring.
Keith Matthews added, “BT’s South African staff have rallied together to make this facility a success. Two weeks ago many of our staff volunteered to paint this facility inside and outside. It was a great opportunity for them to interact with the mothers and kids and to try and envisage the challenges that they live with and to appreciate how this new facility will impact on their lives.”
- ends -

About BT
BT is one of the world’s leading providers of communications solutions and services operating in more than 170 countries.  Its principal activities include the provision of networked IT services globally; local, national and international telecommunications services to our customers for use at home, at work and on the move; broadband and internet products and services and converged fixed/mobile products and services.  BT consists principally of four lines of business: BT Global Services, Openreach, BT Retail and BT Wholesale.

In the year ended 31 March 2010, BT Group’s revenue was £20,911 million.

British Telecommunications plc (BT) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BT Group plc and encompasses virtually all businesses and assets of the BT Group.  BT Group plc is listed on stock exchanges in London and New York. 

For more information, visit www.bt.com/aboutbt


About Nkosi’s Haven
Inspired by Nkosi Johnson and founded by his foster mother Gail Johnson, Nkosi’s Haven and Friends opened its first doors in Berea, Johannesburg in 1999. The Nkosi’s Haven projects include: the urban facilities of Nkosi’s Haven and Friends and Nashua Nkosi’s Haven in Berea, the semi-urban Nkosi’s Haven Village in Allan Manor, and the rural Nkosi’s Haven Farm near Vereeniging. The Nkosi’s Haven projects can accommodate 350 HIV-infected mothers and children. All educational, medical and nutritional needs are met by the projects. Nkosi’s Haven is a registered NGO 008 - 995 and is audited by KPMG. The annual financial statements are available on request.

For more information, visit  http://www.nkosishaven.org/


About Infinite Family
Infinite Family is an international organization that inspires and motivates teens and pre-teens with very limited resources or support networks in South Africa, so they build the confidence, skills and global perspective that promote success.  A secure, highly-interactive online environment supports the video conversations between “Net Buddies,” adult video mentors and South African mentees.  Almost 300 South African teens and pre-teens have worked with video mentors to improve their academic, communication, technological and life skills since the organization was founded in 2006 by Amy Stokes. Infinite Family is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity in the United States.  Registration as a South African NGO is pending.  Annual financial statements are available upon request.

For more information, please visit www.infinitefamily.org  and view our videos at http://www.youtube.com/infinitefamily

Friday, September 24, 2010

Siyabonga: Poet Engineer

Siyabonga wakes each morning to the gray light of early dawn seeping through the gaps between the corrugated metal & cardboard which make up the walls of his home.  He rises, dresses in his frayed school uniform and hurries to the open tap in the center of his community.  Siyabonga lives with his mother and younger brother in a squatter camp called Drummond on the outskirts of Johannesburg, South Africa.  He waits his turn to get water from the tap, the central ingredient in his morning tea, his only nourishment before trudging off to school.  

School is an almost 4 mile walk down the side of a busy, paved road.  Siyabonga composes poetry as he walks, committing each line to memory with each step.  A rhythm for his rhymes.  

Siyabonga worries about his upcoming matriculation exams.  He struggles with math and dreams  to go on to University to study engineering.  Without the proper books or instruction, he knows that passing the test will be close to impossible.  

A chaotic and crowded school day passes and a long walk home awaits him.  Siyabonga needs to hurry home to complete his homework and chores before darkness falls, as homework by kerosene light leaves him with headaches. 

 But before he heads home, Siyabonga makes a detour.  

Siyabonga navigates his way through a dusty field and across a swinging bridge over a ravine.  Then he climbs the steps to a small brick building with a satellite dish atop it.  He opens the door to a brightly painted room with computers distributed on desks throughout the room.  He hurries to a work station.  

Siyabonga types in the web address of Infinite Family’s Ezomndeni Net.  He signs in with his password, checks his email and quickly opens his blog page to add this morning’s carefully memorized poem to his blog.  With a few more clicks, he adjusts the webcam, puts on his headset and writes that same poem on the video conferencing room’s whiteboard as he anticipates the arrival of his Infinite Family Video Mentor, Chuck.  Soon, Chuck’s face emerges beside Siyabonga’s on the screen.  They smile and trip over each other’s words with the eagerness of their greetings.  

Chuck has found some practice tests for the matric exam on a website.  He shares his computer screen with Siyabonga so that he can see what the test looks like.  Siyabonga efficiently types the web address into the weblinks dialogue box.  He bookmarks the webpage and saves it in a file with his name on it.  Chuck praises Siyabonga’s poem and helps him polish the spelling of a few words.  They alternate between laughter and furrowed brows as they share the details of their weeks with one another.

Soon, their 30 minutes together comes to a close.  Siyabonga is encouraged on his walk home.  He has hope for the exams because his mentor, a man he has only ever seen on a computer screen, is actively advocating for him.  

Cars speed past this lanky boy headed back to his shack, one of so many boys in so many shacks.  But this boy knows he is different.  This boy knows that a community of caring adults reads his carefully constructed and heartfelt poems.  This boy knows that a man who lives in Pittsburgh, PA has his picture on his mantle and spends time each week working to make Siyabonga’s dreams come true.  Dreams of a future that don’t have him walking home to a shack, but have him entering a University classroom and a whole new world of opportunity.

This boy and so many boys and girls just like Siyabonga are learning the geography of an email field and the limitless possibilities of technology.  They are using the resources of the internet to expand their horizons and support their community.  The growing community of Infinite Family Net Buddies are overcoming these obstacles with the love, insight and opportunity presented to them by the Video Mentors of Infinite Family.  

We ask you to become involved with this groundbreaking intervention in the life of children so often forgotten in our world.  With just a few hours each month, from the comfort of your own home, you can help to open the door to new opportunities for children just like Siyabonga.   

Visit our website and become a Video Mentor or support the work of Infinite Family with your tax deductible contribution.  

Infinite Family, where the gift is you!

Monday, September 13, 2010

New Life for a Net Buddy

Ayanda lived in a crime-ridden apartment building, with no furniture, little food and no parents.  After losing his father and then his mother to HIV/AIDs, he and his younger brothers were moved to Nkosi’s Haven.  Ayanda was shy, awkward, and traumatized by his experience. 

At Nkosi’s Haven, things improved significantly, but he stayed “at the back of his class”, distracted and unmotivated.  That is, until he met Betty and Dave Voigt, who live in a log cabin in Sycamore, PA.  Within six months of their video mentoring relationship, which began in June of 2006, Ayanda was at the head of the class.   By the end of 2007, he was “Head Boy,” the highest title awarded in a class.  He remained “Head Boy” until graduating from High School in 2008. 

Off to university, Ayanda struggled.  His long-time dream of working in IT (information technology) seemed to come to a halt.  But through Infinite Family and our friends at Bombardier Transportaion, who knew Ayanda through the career development program he participated in with them, an interview was arranged.  

Just two weeks after the interview, Ayanda was hired as the first man in their previously female-dominated Learnership program.  

Ayanda’s supervisor at Bombardier reports :

Ayanda is confident, has started helping people on his own now, and is really becoming a part of the Bombardier family. Ayanda really impressed me at our last induction session where he got up and told a group of strangers his life story. He really has achieved so much and I must admit that I am sure he will go really far!

In addition, they have drafted him to play lead on the company’s soccer squad!  

Ayanda reports that that he works hard, has made lots of new friends, takes notes every day on what he is learning, and will be helping to manage the network when one of the IT members leaves at the end of the month.  He calls it his “new life.” 

He also wrote that he will be part of the Bombardier team that is going to build a house in an apartheid era township outside of Johannesburg.  

Ayanda says, “I hope I build a strong house for them so that it can be a home for them, that I didn’t have of my own.  I will make sure it is a strong house.”

With your help, Infinite Family can continue to inspire and guide South Africa’s teens to work toward their futures.  Give today, to support the work that inspires & prepares the South African leaders of tomorrow!

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Africa After Work!

AFRICA AFTER WORK AND INFINITE FAMILY ARE JOINING FORCES FOR A HAPPY HOUR EVENT ON SEPTEMBER 14TH!

JOIN US FOR DRINKS AND MEET LIKE MINDED INDIVIDUALS IN A FUN, UPBEAT AND EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT!

$15 IN ADVANCE OR $20 AT THE DOOR
INCLUDES ONE DRINK: RED OR WHITE WINE, PROSECCO, OR BEER

Additional drinks - cash bar

Infinite Family, a 501c3 charity, is the only mentoring program using weekly video conversations to establish long-term nurturing relationships. These relationships with adults internationally are designed to inspire and motivate teens and pre-teens with very limited resources or support networks in Sub-Saharan Africa, so they build the confidence, skills and global perspective that promote success. www.infinitefamily.org

All for Africa, a 501 (c) 3 organization, takes a collaborative approach to poverty reduction by working with the private sector to foster projects that generate economic and social benefits in the communities in which they are located. Our programs focus on agriculture, clean water, community health, education, energy, environmental impact, micro-financing and skills training/livelihood creation
www.allforafrica.org

Africa After Work is a Business and Social Networking opportunity for professionals, students and entrepreneurs in the New York Metro Region who are interested in Africa and African development.
http://www.allforafrica.org/joinin/africa-after-work/

When:  Tuesday September 14, 6-8pm

Where:  44 1/2
626 10th Avenue
Between 44th and 45th
New York, NY 10036

Fee:  $15 includes a complimentary drink

Click here for online reservations: http://www.infinitefamily.org/event




































Friday, August 6, 2010

The Journey of a Lifetime


Summer is the season for travel.  Lots of us have listened to the travel stories of friends and family and nothing sells a destination like an enthusiastic traveler who has just returned from an incredible journey. 

I’d like to introduce you to someone still on the journey of a lifetime with Infinite Family.  John Loehrer, who lives with his wife and baby in Gresham, Oregon, has traveled virtually to the orphanages of Refilwe and Nkosi’s Haven each week as a Video Mentor since March, 2009.  He has had the opportunity to mentor 2 different boys, Lawrence, a 13 year old, and Tshidiso, a 14 year old, via Infinite Family’s unique internet platform and video conferencing desktop. 

Here’s how John describes his “journey of a lifetime”!

How has your understanding of Africa or African culture changed since becoming a Video Mentor with Infinite Family?

When you think of Africa you tend only to think of those sad commercials on TV.  Images of starving children.  Words across the screen saying 'PLEASE HELP'.  Now when I think of Africa, I think of smiling faces.  Of hope. Kids are kids first, ya know?  They are full of excitement.  Full of possibility.

I've had the chance to work with two different kids so far.  Each personality has been so different from the other.  It messes up any real stereotypes I wanted to make about African culture.

Lawrence loves Jay-Z.   He loves online games, especially kung-fu or karate games.  In a few days he was beating me at my own favorite games.  He likes to chatter away as he plays, keeping up the banter.  Some people shout at the screen when they watch movies.  Lawrence talks to the characters in the game, keeping them motivated.  Sometimes he sings too.  Very funny.  Adorable.

Tshidiso is more analytical.  The first day I met with him he was trying to trip me up on a math problem he had solved in school.  He got this little grin on his face when I struggled for a second to come up with the answer.  We were discussing the Fibonacci sequence the other day and he immediately picked up on the pattern just by looking at the sequence of numbers.  He is so smart!

I don't know how well I could answer in-depth questions about African culture though.  Lawrence told me a little bit about his trip to Nelson Mandela Square and the big statue there.  But we usually just talk about day-to-day life.  What's going on in school, stuff like that.

I do know a lot of Bafana Bafana soccer team players though!  The Fifa World Cup was just a little while ago.  Tshidiso drilled me on that stuff.  Before the matches, he told me all about the players on the South African team.  His favorite player is Teko Modise.  I felt like I was studying for final exams every time because he would always quiz me about the players.

How would you describe your experience as an Infinite Family Video Mentor to someone who may hesitate to volunteer with because of their fear of a child being too needy or the experience being depressing?

I was really nervous going into it that it would be hard to really connect with my Net Buddy.  Or that there would be nothing to talk about.  I am not a psychologist.  What do I know about being a mentor? But I found out that most of what I was worrying about didn't even matter.

I was putting too much pressure on myself to try to build a relationship with a kid right away.  It takes time.  Lots of little steps.  Play some games.  Watch some videos.  Listen to what happened in their day. It's not too hard.  Most of the time it is all jokes and games.  Maybe that's because that's how I tend to relate to my younger family members.

I had to learn to lower my expectations.  That sounds like a bad thing but it's not.  I expected to have all these deep meaningful conversations with my Net Buddy.  Maybe the time will come when we get to that point.  But I think sharing in the little stuff is just as important.  I am there to validate his life.  To show him he is important to me in whatever way I can.  If that means taking the time to play a game or joke around with him, I can do that.

Maybe someone else with a different personality than me is really great at getting a kid to open up and share their inner struggles and turmoil.  That's not me.  I like to laugh.  What I guess I'm saying is that having a Net Buddy is like having a friend much like any other friend you'd have.  Get to know them. Share your life.  They share theirs.  Take it from there.  I just try to always be a positive influence. Always be encouraging and uplifting.  No need to try to be a grief counselor or anything like that.

Neither of my Net Buddies really ever wanted to talk about their parents with me.  That's fine.  I respect their privacy.  That's their personal life.  If they bring it up, fine.  If they want to talk about World Cup Soccer or a music video, that's fine too.  If they want to try to school me in Fancy Pants Adventure, bring it on!
What do you think is the biggest gift you have received in your video mentoring relationship?  Conversely, what would you say is the biggest gift you have given to your Net Buddy by being a Video Mentor?
The biggest gift is probably humility.  You could call it embarrassment, I guess.  But humility sounds nicer.  One day Tshidiso was talking to me and he was interrupted by a friend who came into the lab and started talking to him in another language.

When the friend left I asked Tshidiso what language was that? Sesotho?

He said, 'No ... Zulu.'

I asked him how many languages he spoke.

'Five. How many do you speak?'

I had to admit I only speak English.  It was a very humbling experience.  It made me realize in that instant that he had as much to teach me as I had to teach him.  Life dealt us very different cards to play, but one hand is not necessarily better.

 Maybe I won't ever really know what my impact will be on my Net Buddy's life.   At the very least, I know Lawrence can take on anyone in Electric Man 2.   And Tshidiso has learned a whole library of internet phrases and emoticons for instant messaging and texting.  But I hope it is much more than that.  I hope they are seeing possibilities far beyond what they initially imagined for themselves.

What keeps you coming back each week?

I started Infinite Family because I wanted to give something back to the world.  I've been given so many opportunities, you know?  But I come back each week because it's fun.  My Net Buddy is a riot. The technology doesn't always work the way we want it too.  But we always have a good time.

For at least a few minutes out of my week, I know I am doing something that matters.  And maybe when Lawrence becomes a world leader or Tshidiso solves the next world energy crisis, I can be there to take all the credit.
:P

Any other comments you'd like to make?  Feel free!!

Video mentoring is like the first time off of a high dive.  You just have to experience it to know what it is like.  The scariest part is actually the anticipation before you jump in.  Just do it already!
 

Thursday, July 8, 2010

My Heart Skip a Bit: A Net Buddy Poem

The Net Buddies of Infinite Family continue to inspire and educate us through their blogs.  I hope you enjoy this entry by Ncesh as much as I do!

This poem came to me on June 16th.  I was looking at the world so united and full of love and hope, and the sound came in my heart.  It warmed my soul the feeling. I cannot explain but it was so good.  I saw every one smiling and so happy.   I remember talking to myself, saying  "I wish it was always like this", and my heart skipped a bit.

Oh, South Africa, did you know that you can be this happy?

When you were beaten and assaulted, called by names, 
did you know that the world will be looking at you 
in a good way and happy for you? Not feeling pity, sorry, sad 
because of the hard times?  

My heart skip a bit.

You are flying high like an eagle, shining like a diamond!

My heart skip a bit.

You make us scream, "Oh!!!!"   
No, our scream is for happiness 
not from guns and teargas.  
The Vuvuzela is not for the toitoi, it's for you.  
We are calling to you.  We say, "Go, Bafana, go!"  

My heart skip a bit.

Nina nisibuyisele ithemba nisimanyile
like a silent rock 
nenza sithethengazwinye. 

My heart skip a bit.

Oh, South Africa, what joy you brought to the world.   
Sonke sithetha ulwimi olunye -- we understand a language that we don't speak.   
Just by the look of their faces,
the vuvuzela, 
the outfits and the songs say it all.

And my heart skip a bit.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

A "Lucky" Surprise from Jessica Alba!

After we were at the park in NYC, we took a walk to Big Niko's where we really enjoy going for dinner. While we were there waiting for our food, Betsy showed us something really interesting. I still can't believe it till this moment. First, Betsy told us that she could fit her whole fist in her mouth and guess what?   She put her whole fist in her mouth and it was so unbelievably amazing that it was stuck in my head to whole night.

So we came back to the apartment and I was still trying to figure out how she could possibly fit her fist in her mouth while typing my blog.  Meanwhile we were waiting for Erin (Betsy's daughter) to arrive from Washington, DC . Then she arrived and we just all sat around the table while she was eating and Betsy asked if she's going to show me my surprise.  Erin asked, "Does Lucky know about the surprise?" and I said "No". So she went to fetch an envelope, but not a normal size one, one just a bit bigger.  Alan went and got the camera and asked Erin to come sit next to me and that made it even worse because I really did not know what was in the envelope.

So at that moment she pulled out a big photo that was taken of me next to my "dream board" in the boy's room at Nkosi's Haven.  On that copy it was written "Lucky never underestimate the power of knowledge. Reach for the stars my friend! Much love Jessica Alba".  I just went crazy!!!  And not only that but as I was busy going crazy, Erin pulled out a photograph of Jessica Alba holding up that photo of me and my dream board that she had written on!  I so could not believe it!!

Erin told me that she had spoken to Jessica Alba and now she knows who I am!! Erin works for The ONE Campaign and met Jessica when they traveled in Africa together.  On my dream board I had a picture pasted of Jessica Alba and I don't really know how to thank Erin for letting the girl of my dreams know about me!  It was just an amazing night which Erin has made for me.  It was really hard to fall asleep after that and I eventualy slept properly at like 4:50.  I guess I was a little too excited.  It was a realy great surprise, I must say.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Overcoming fear...on a roller coaster! Net Buddy, Keneilwe, blogs about her experience at Kennywood Park!

WOW!!!   Smile Monday the 14th of JUNE was the day I overcame my fear.  We went to Kennywood Amusement Park.  I left the house telling myself that I HAVE NEVER AND WILL NEVER go on to the roller coasters except the easy ones.

My first ride was the Merry-Go-Round. That was so easy!

I don't know what convinced my heart to do the RACER roller coaster.  I guess it was LUCKY, LORI and BETSY.  I was nervous before the ride started.   When I went on I was now cooled down . The best part of experiencing  the ride was that the car I was is the one that won. TheSurprised surprising thing is that when I got off I actually wanted more! 

I went on to try the THUNDERBOLT.   It was scary, but I did it like 3 times. 

Then I thought I was too hot.  I went to do the PITTSBURGH PLUNGE.   There I got completely wet!  I also did it 3 times!  I went to try dry myself on the WHIP. 

After the Whip, Christina and I went on to do the BIG and most SCARY PHANTOM'S REVENGE!!  The moment I came off, I was all dry and dizzy.  I didn't believe that it was me that went on the Phantom's Revenge. 

At the end of the day everyone including myself was proud of me.  Thanks to Christina and Lucky for going on most of the rides with me.  If it was not for the two of them I was not going to do the roller coasters.  Thanks Guys.  Driving back home I was so tired, I just fell asleep in the car.  IT WAS A GREAT DAY!!  I ENJOYED IT!

Friday, June 25, 2010

Everything is "Just Ducky" in Pittsburgh...even the Pirates! Another blog by Lucky, visiting Net Buddy

Here I am, having my breakfast and my apple juice.  After that I just hanged around while watching t.v, drawing and patiently waiting for the time to get to 1:30, because this will be the time I will be getting on my first bus here in America and we will be hearding to town.

So we got to the bus stop and took a picture next to the bus stop sign and then continued to wait for our bus. After a few minutes the bus finally arrives and we got on.   Well, it was realy comfortable but they turned the fans on so it started to get a little bit too cool but it was nice. After the nice ride we got to our fist stop which was in the city and we took a walk down to Betsy's work place.  It felt so good to walk again and it was a nice day for that too, I must say.

When we arrived at Betsy's work we first met Susie who works with Betsy.  What a very welcoming woman!  Then I met Joe who also works there and after a minute or so while we were talking, Fred (who Betsy works for) came and he walked up with his hand out to shake mine and he said to me "well you must be from Switzerland right?" but I knew he was kidding.   He gave me a paper weight which had the abbreviation of the name of where Betsy works and it was printed UMF (United Methodist Foundation). He said it is something which should make me remember where I was.  I was realy honoured to have that as a gift. 

Then things just go better, he invited me to step into his office and offered me to sit on his Big Chair and I had pictures taken while I was sitting on the chair and everyone was standing around me and I realy felt like I was the Boss (The Godfather).   I also got to see photos of his children.

I then went to see where Betsy works (her office), and Joe showed me a lovely photo of his family.  Betsy then took me around to where they would have their board meetings.  Then Susie showed me pictures of her family and her grand children too who are twins.   Then she offered me a soda that I had that on my way out because Betsy and I had a Just Ducky Tour to go to.   Then we said goodbye to everyone. 

Well before we went to the Just Ducky Tour we visited an Art institute where these works of art are on display by students.  There were realy amazing work of art there and I know that, because I am an artist myself.

After that we continued with our little walk and the weather seemed to be pretty and we also had to cross a bridge over the Monogehala river.   I asked how old the bridge was and Betsy wasn't sure so she took a photo of me on the bridge.

Then we had to get our Just Ducky Tour and so it finally arrived. We started by passing the bridge we walked over and it was built in 1883, so I guess I got my answer on how old the bridge was.  On the Just Ducky Tour you learn a lot about the area and in this case I was learning a lot about Pittsburgh.  I won't state everything that I have learned but one of the things is that Pittsburgh used to supply and a lot of steel to the world.  I found out that it has produced more steel that Japan and Germany combined during the world wars.  I learned a whole more other stuff as well.

The other thing about the Just Ducky is that it goes on land and also on water.  I think a lot of people were waiting for the time when it gets to the water.  When it got to the river it really floated!  I was the first one in the group to drive it on water.  It was a realy amazing experience!

We then walked back and Betsy called Alan to find out where we should meet him.  We met him where he works.  I got the chance to have photos taken with him at his work place and also got to see his office.  The building is realy tall especialy when you have to look up from the stair cases from the inside.  It is really high.

And so after that we went off to where I had chosen and it was to Mc Donalds (my favourite restaurant).  I ordered a cheese burger but I don't realy know if I had charmed the girl who was taking our orders or what, because she had put down a doulbe cheese burger for me instead of a cheese burger.  Oh well, I just had to enjoy it.

After we were done with our meal we then went to the Pirates Stadium (PNC Park) to watch a baseball match.

We then watched the game and we had a beautiful view of the city as well so it was really awesome.  The Pirates weren't winning and we were just hoping to at least see a home run by the Pirates, because apparently there will be fire-works going off.   After a while one of the Pirates players hit a home run and we got to see the fire-works and it was so beautiful!  Alan took a few pictures of that as well and once we were done watching the game outside the stadium there are statues of the legends of which used to play for the Pirates. I also got a photo taken in front of one statue and I think his name was Roberto if I'm not mistaken.

Then we got back home to get ready for New York..........

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Pittsburgh from an African Perspective = Green and Friendly~!

Hi to you all beautiful people, I am just going to tell you a little more about my experiences in Pittsburgh, the green city.


I am now three days in Pittsburgh which is very nice.  I have done a lot of interesting things.

Day 1 Friday(11/06/10)

When we got to Atlanta airport it was very scary for me as I was told that people/consultants at the airport are not friendly at all, so I got there ready for the treatment.  Unexpectedly we were helped by the most wonderful consultant who looks just like WILL SMITH....very friendly indeed. Our day got a little spoilt when we went to get our luggage.  We found out that Tipsy's(Lucky)wasn't there so we waited for the next flight hoping to find it.   But it was just not there.

BUT WE COULDN'T LET THAT SPOIL OUR WONDERFUL TRIP......


We went through customs, got some CANDIES(SWEETS) from the security guard at the airport and waited for our connecting flight to Pittsburgh, the flight was delayed so we had to wait a little longer but it finally came and that wasn't such a long one like first one from Johannesburg. 

When we get to Pittsburgh Dana, Lori's family, Betsy and her husband and Des were all waiting for us with all these beautiful gifts (wooden flowers,wild American sunglasses and some colourful pearls).  We all gave each other big hugs and took a lot of pictures. There was only one person missing.  Guess Who?????  Liz my mentor!  That made me so disappointed and sad, I cried a little.  Although it wasn't her fault, I was looking forward to meeting her in person and give her a big hug.


When Liz finally arrived I was so happy and I couldn't believe it.  That was the most unforgettable moment of my life....wow what an amazing life to have.

Liz and I are staying at Shannon M's house while in Pittsburgh.  Shannon is a wonderful person, a mother of three lovely children.


That night we had an amazing dinner at Shannon's house I met the LIFE SAVER: Mr Owen!!  A very lovely, smart person indeed.  After dinner it was a good night sleep for me as I was tired from flying.


These are some of the words that I learnt from America
South African Way                       American Way
Tomato sauce                              Ketchup
Permanent marker                      Sharpie
Chips                                              French fries

I personally don't think Pittsburghers get stress or depression at all as they have these  lovely green trees and flowers all over!


Will write more tomorrow okay and by the way Americans drive on the right side of the road while we do the left side.   Isn't that interesting?

I am open to any kind of questions about the trip, so you all know where to get me, right?

Looking forward to answering all your questions.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Lucky to be Lucky in the USA!

As promised, I am going to share some of the blogs the Net Buddies are posting to the Ezomndeni Net about their experiences here in the US visiting their video mentors!  Today I am sharing some excerpts from Lucky's blog.  Enjoy!

First thing when I woke up was that the weather was ok and both Betsy and I had planned to go to the zoo for the day but then we thought what if it rains, because it wouldn't be a good day at the zoo if  at had to rain and so we had to let that one pass but we then we decided to do something even nicer which is ice skating.... ooooh and well on our way there we stopped at the post office to post a few things and I finally got a photo taken next to a post van which I think is really fun, because every time when I am in South Africa and I am watching an American movie I would laugh every time they would show a mail van and so it was really great to have a picture taken next to one.

We continued with our journey to the ice skating place and on our way we were talking about how long it has been since we've ice skated and so we were actually nervous of basically falling on the ice but I guess it was too late for us to change our minds then and so we got there, got our ice skates and took some pictures before getting on the ice and then we finally go on the ice and we then started ice skating and none of us were balancing against the side which I think was really good after we have both never been ice skating for a long time and it seemed like it was our day, because there weren't many people ice skating, so we basically had the place to ourselves which was really fun.

We then came back to get Betsy's coffee mug and we got to this other "drive thru" where she just said bottom-less mug and she got her mug filled with coffee and she did not pay a thing.  I was really amazed and she explained to me everything and she said that she had paid $120 which is like +-R800 and she got the mug and she can go to that place and order coffee' as many times as would like for a whole year and I think that is great because I love..... coffee but I haven't had any since I came here.  I just stuck to apple juice which I also adore and I basically just decided to stay faithful to my South Africa coffee.

And so after the coffee we went down to the grocery store to get a few things, because we were having dinner with some of Betsy's family and we also got more of these other candy which I got addicted to and their a mixture of sweet and sour candy.  I love candy and so while we were at the store Betsy showed me this other way of paying for your grocery and you basically scan the products you've purchased yourself and you then pay and I think that is really awesome to do that yourself.

We came back from the store and Betsy started preparing things for dinner and hoping the weather doesn't change, because she wouldn't have liked it if it was possible to have dinner outside.   I was drawing and it was my first time that I had time to do anything normal so I then asked Betsy if she could put on for me cartoons for me so I drew a little and while waiting for dinner.
 
Then the time came when everyone started coming in and I met Betsy's father and apparently he worked at Kennywood for sometime and we spoke about that. He and his fiance had brought me a card with some money to spend while I'm in Pittsburgh and I think that was really generous of them.  They are really nice people I must say and, Betsy's brother (Bruce) , Betsy's sister in-law (Melissa), and their children Kelly and Kevin came and they and gifts for me they got me a whole kinds of different types of candy (which I don't know how am I going to start eating them) and a hockey t-shirt of a very good hockey player who plays for a team in Pittsburgh and his name is Crosby.  I also play hockey, so it was a really nice present for them to give to me.

We sat outside to have our dinner and we also have a very delicious dessert and we saw a couple of light bugs which Kevin and I tried to catch but there were so many so we did not get any which is ok I guess.   I really appreciate the time and effort that everyone took to meet me and for Betsy and to introduce me to her family, which I think was really great.  At the end I think everyone was tired including me because of how we had laughed so much.  I must say that Betsy has a very funny family especialy Kevin and Betsy's brother Bruce, actually everyone there had a great unique sense of humour. 

I still haven't figured out how am I going to start eating all of that candy! 


But well that was my day with Betsy's family!